PITTSBURG — A group of police officers stopped at Lumpy’s Diner earlier this week to get a bite to eat — and all they were left with was a lump in their throat.

“Dear Officers,” read the note on a bill that came to their table at the popular diner in the 600 block of Railroad Avenue on Wednesday. “Thank you for protecting every body. I am inspired by you guys everyday.”

The words of encouragement, written in pen, came from 12-year-old Adia Andrews-Powell and and included the note: “I’m a future officer.”

“I like when I see things that make other people smile and be thankful,” Adia said. “What I believe in is that if somebody does nice deeds their whole life, their next one will just as an amazing one.”

It’s a faith by which she’s lived for as long as her mother, Angel Andrews-Olmstead, can remember. And, she said, it has brought such a bright outlook to her daughter’s life that optimism and hope have come to define how she operates.

Example: Ask Adia whether she has siblings.

“Yes,” she said, “If animals count.”

She has three cats and one dog. Angel says her daughter also loves to dance in her home and sing. Above all, though, she likes to help people, and she has a special place in her heart for people who do.

“I just always really liked helping people,” Adia said. “Police officers help people and make them feel safe. That’s what I want to do.”

“Police officers help people and make them feel safe. That’s what I want to do,” Pittsburg 12-year-old Adia Andrews-Powell said of her rationale for leaving Pittsburg police officer a thank you note on a bill. (Picture courtesy Angel Andrews-Olmstead)

Still, the story hasn’t had a perfect ending. Adia left the diner before the current officers could meet the aspiring one. She didn’t want to hand the note to them herself, so she gave it to a waitress.

By the time the group realized where it came from, she had walked out the door with her family. “They were only able to wave,” Albanese said via email Friday. “The did not get to speak with her.”

In that respect, the girl remains one of the most sought-after individuals in the city. The department’s outreach program is working to contact the family and organize a meeting.

“It was heartfelt to receive the note,” Sgt. Michael Keefe said, especially since it was “coming from a young girl with inspiration to be a future police officer.”

The note from the girl also included a hand-drawn heart.

“You guys stop people that are dangerous, and you make kids like me safe and happy!” she wrote.

She left them with a warm feeling.

“To have a desire to protect and serve your community at such a young age,” Albanese said, “is just incredible.”

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